It's Time for the Initiation

Personally, out of the Initiation stories, I like "Stepdaughters" the best. Max Apple did a great job showing the transition from girl to woman. The main character Stephanie refuses to accept the stereotype of a woman. Stephanie, to me, is someone who should be admired for her strength in standing up. For some, it's not easy to tell your parents that you want to anything in your own way, even me.  I don’t know what it is, but there’s something in me that doesn’t want to disappoint my parents. 

Even when she's struggling to make an identity for herself, Stephanie never gives up. I think that Apple did an amazing job showing this struggle in the girl’s choices and "initiation."  I wish that there were more stories like this, stories that portrayed a strong girl who is willing to go against her mother’s wishes and follow her own path.  If Stephanie’s aiming for the Olympics, then she should follow that dream.  Why shouldn’t she?  Because her mother wants her to stay at home?

I feel like Stephanie is a relatable character to many people.  Whether it’s standing up to a parent or parents, or going against stereotypical gender roles, which I am not fond of, people, no matter what gender, can relate to Stephanie.  Overall, I think that Apple did an awesome job with this short story.